Many have recently been postulating that Rivers and Harvey were playing a waiting game, waiting for the other to sign so that neither camp would look like it was being undervalued in the negotiations.  Now that Rivers signed, will Harvey’s agent quickly work with Jaguars executives to get a deal done and have Harvey on the field?  Will Kremer drop his market value argument in favor of a deal wedged between what Ellis (7th overall pick) and Rivers (9th overall pick) received?

Keith Rivers Reports To Camp from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

The Jaguars’ displeasure with the Harvey holdout has been made pretty apparent. Harvey’s representatives want money similar to what the 7^th pick, Sedrick Ellis received. The Jaguars are reluctant to come close to such an offer.

Not only are the Harvey negotiations affecting the Jaguars, but it is seemingly affecting the Cincinnati Bengals as well. The Rivers’ camp is having a difficult time getting a deal done, for they are trying to gauge what type of numbers Derrick Harvey will receive.

As an agent, you never want to get your client what may turn out to be a low ball deal. But at the same time, you can’t sit on your thumbs waiting for another player to get signed.

I believe that in this situation, his representatives have to put a value on how important it is for Keith Rivers to start. The more camp he misses, the greater chance there is for Rivers to lose out on a starting position. Talent wise, there is no question that he can start for the Bengals, but he sorely needs to get his repetitions in.

Getting into camp on time and winning that starting position is worth a lot more than some may think. A perfect example of what can result from getting into camp on time is the season Patrick Willis had last year. Not only did he earn a trip to the Pro Bowl, but he was also named Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Going Down a Winding River from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

Do you think that the Jaguars remember a similar contract negotiation between the organization and one of Kremer’s colleagues that was sour for a while?  Kremer’s buddy at CAA, Tom Condon, represented Byron Leftwich when he held out for a team record of nineteen days.

And Keith Rivers does not seem to be all that close to signing with the Bengals, either.

More Holdout Discussion from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

Football

• For that kind of money, the Bears have to be thinking that Hester can be more than a kick/punt returner [Bears agree to new four-year deal with Hester].
• The Panthers have a nice track record of getting their draft picks signed before camp [Stewart last draft choice to sign with Panthers].
• Lots of performance clauses in this one [Gholston's contract with Jets includes $21M in guaranteed money].
• Derrick Harvey wants a Gholston-sized contract [Holdout by DE Harvey could linger].
• Rashard will be able to earn back the money that he lost when robbed, and then some [Steelers sign No. 1 pick Mendenhall].
• A nine-year deal seems a little excessive to me too [Urlacher says 9-year deal was a mistake].

Basketball

• J.E. Skeets of Yahoo! Sports says Ron Artest is ice cold [Carnival of the NBA #58: Will Ferrell edition].
• Nothing like taking an $8 million shot in the dark [Dumars: Brown agrees to two-year deal with Pistons].
• Seems like a fair price for a guy who consistently racks up double doubles [Okafor, Bobcats agree to 6-year, $72 million deal].
• Darren Rovell takes a shot at guessing which brands will be securing the feet of the class of 2008 [NBA Rookie Shoe Deals?]
• Could a quick fix of the Mid-Level Exception prevent a future Josh Childress from going overseas? [The NBA Salary Cap and Josh Childress and Fixing the Mid Level Exemption]
• Last year’s leader in field goal shooting % is locked up with the Warriors for at least the next five years [Warriors re-sign C Biedrins to 6-year, $62M deal].
• My buddy Jason Levien can now relax for a bit [Forward thinking for Bulls: Deng in].

Shabbat Shalom: Friday Wrap-Up from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

1. Miami Dolphins-Jake Long (OT- Michigan)

Long is their guy. Which Long? We shall see. I am going to go with Jake in the week of the draft. The Fins have done some nice things with the offensive line and Jake may be that missing piece. I still believe that Chris is more of a Parcells guy, so it should be an interesting selection.

2. St. Louis Rams- Chris Long (DE- Virginia)

Long is the top defensive lineman in this draft, and with the Rams suspect front 7 this is a no brainer. The Rams will 100% walk away with a Long at the 2^nd pick.

3. Atlanta Falcons- Glenn Dorsey (DT- LSU)

The Atlanta Falcons are in complete disarray, they have no Qb, and a depleted defense. Dorsey is a stud in the middle and the Falcons can still land Flacco or Brohm in round 2.

4. Oakland Raiders- Darren McFadden (RB- Arkansas)

McFadden’s workout numbers were off the charts and everyone knows how the Raiders love speed. This may not be the smartest pick due to the amount of money the Raiders have invested in their backfield, but he is just too impressive to pass up on.

5. Kansas City Chiefs- Ryan Clady (OT- Boise. St)

The Chiefs desperately need help on the offensive line, Clady may be too high for the 5^th pick but considering the massive holes in their line it is worth the reach. If a trade for Jared Allen goes through that will dramatically affect this pick.

6. New York Jets- Vernon Gholston (DE- Ohio St.)

If the Jets can walk away with either Gholston or McFadden, Jets fans should be ecstatic. Gholston has the speed, strength and athleticism to get after the quarterback at the outside linebacker spot in the Jets 3-4 defense.

7. New England Patriots (from SF)- Leodis McKelvin (CB- Troy)

The Patriots secondary has taken a major hit with the lose of Samuel and Randall Gay. McKelvin is the top corner in this draft and can also play a huge role in the return game.

8. Baltimore Ravens- Matt Ryan (QB- Boston College)

This would be the ideal pick for the Ravens. It would finally solidify their Qb position and they wouldn’t have to move up to get their player.

9. Cincinnati Bengals- Sedrick Ellis (DT- USC)

After missing out on Shaun Rogers, Ellis will be their guy to help sure up the middle of their defense. He’s in the mold of a Warren Sapp and should be a huge upgrade to a dismal defensive line.

10. New Orleans Saints- Keith Rivers (LB- USC)

With the acquisitions of Randall Gay and Aaron Glenn, they may be willing to hold off on a corner so early in the draft. At this immediate time, linebacker is probably the bigger need with the uncertainty of Dan Morgan. Rivers is the top outside backer in the draft and possesses all the tools to step into a starting role.

11. Buffalo Bills- Limas Sweed (WR- Texas)

Sweed is the ideal fit for the Bills. They already have homerun threats in Parrish and Evens, and Sweed would give them that tall, physical receiver they definitely lack.

12. Denver Broncos- Branden Albert (OG/OT- Virginia)

Denver’s offensive line took a hit when Lepsis retired. Albert is athletic, agile and very versatile. The Broncos love those type of guys for their offensive system.

13. Carolina Panthers- Derrick Harvey (DE- Florida)

This is going to be one of the more interesting picks in the draft. They can go running back, defensive end or offensive tackle. They did a decent job addressing their offensive line problems through free agency, and there is just too much uncertainty along their defensive line to pass up on Harvey.

14. Chicago Bears- Jeff Otah (OT- Pitt)

The Bears will look to bolster a depleted offensive line. Otah is a mammoth of a man at 6’6 340lbs and has a huge upside at the next level. Running back may also be an option.

15. Detroit Lions- Rashard Mendenhall (RB- Illinois)

Mendenhall is a stud, and who are we kidding…Tatum Bell is not the answer.

16. Arizona Cardinals- Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (CB- Tennessee St.)

While the sun may be setting on Edge, the Cardinals would like to move Rolle to safety and Cromartie’s size and playmaking skills make him a very good pick here at 16.

17. Minnesota Vikings- Phillip Merling (DE- Clemson)

The Vikings boast one of the best defenses in the league, but they just can’t seem to generate any kind of pass rush. Erasmus James and Kenechi Udeze are not the answer at the defensive end positions. Merling has all the intangibles to turn into a fine pass rusher.

18. Houston Texans- Aqib Talib (CB- Kansas)

The secondary has been a constant issue for the Texans. To some, Talib is regarded as the top corner in this draft. While I am not one of those people, I believe that he would be a nice addition to the Texans’ defense.

19. Philadelphia Eagles- Chris Williams (OT- Vanderbilt)

While I believe wide receiver makes the most sense, I am leaning towards the argument they don’t draft receivers in the first round. Williams is a versatile tackle and with the age at the tackle positions, Williams would be a great pick here.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Devin Thomas (WR- Michigan St.)

Joey Galloway is nearing the end of his fabulous career and it is time to look for a playmaker to step in. Thomas has a nice combination of size, speed, and strength.

21. Washington Redskins- James Hardy (WR- Indiana.)

Jason Campbell could certainly use some wide receiver help. Moss is on one side, but Randel-El certainly is not the answer on the other. Hardy is tall, with good speed and can play above every D-back in the league. It would also allow Randel-El to move into the slot.

22. Dallas Cowboys (from Browns)- Mike Jenkins (CB- South Florida)

Assuming the Cowboys don’t get Pacman, Jenkins will be their guy at the cornerback position. He has all the skills to step right into the nickel back role.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers- Gosder Cherilus (OT- Boston College)

With Alan Fanaca gone, the Steelers will be coming into this draft looking to take the best offensive lineman available. At this point, Cherilus is that guy. He has the size and mentality the Steelers love.

24. Tennessee Titans- Desean Jackson (WR- Cal)

I have seen all the talk about the Titans not drafting first round receivers. Well news flash: they really need one. They may have been burned in the past, but the Titans need weapons on offense. While some worry about Jackson’s size, he does have good hands and possesses game-breaking speed.

25. Seattle Seahawks- Kentwan Balmer (DT- North Carolina)

The Seahawks do not really have any absolute need positions and that is why they will go for the highest graded player remaining. Balmer would fit great in their front 7. Balmer is another one of those big, quick tackles who has great agility.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars- Calais Campbell (DE- Miami)

The defensive line has taken a hit with Stroud and Mccray leaving town. Campbell is massive at 6’8 290lbs and has a nice combination of size and athleticism.

27. San Diego Chargers- Jonathon Stewart (RB- Oregon)

The Chargers are another one of those teams with no real holes. Stewart is a steal here. The toe injury, while troublesome, has plenty of time to recover with LT solidified at the starting position.

28. Dallas Cowboys- Felix Jones (RB- Arkansas)

Is wide receiver the bigger need position ? Yes. But there is no way in my opinion Jerry Jones passes up on Arkansas man Felix Jones. With that said, Jones has the speed and homerun capability to be a nice compliment to Marion Barber.

29. San Fransico 49ers- Jerod Mayo (LB- Tennessee)

With Mike Martz coming to town it would be safe to say they will be looking for an offensive weapon. Too bad there isn’t one worth taking. I would say Malcolm Kelly, but with his quad injury, slow 40 and the complaining he’s done, I would have to say Mike Nolan and the 49ers pass.

30. Green Bay Packers- Antoine Cason (CB- Arizona)

The Packers will look to add depth to their secondary and Cason is the best guy on the board here. Cason has good speed and has a good combination of size and instincts. Kenny Phillips is another option.

New England Patriots- Forfeited

31. New York Giants- Kenny Phillips (S- Miami)

This is one of the tougher picks in the draft to predict. I am torn between Dan Connor and Kenny Phillips. Safety is a need position for the Giants, and Phillips could be that typical UM ball-hawking safety. But with the retirement talk of Strahan, linebacker is also a need for the G-men. It comes down to more depth at the linebacking position than at the safety position.

For some more mocks, check out hailRedskins Mock Draft Database or FFToolbox – 2008 NFL Mock Drafts & Prospect Profiles.

Schackman’s 2008 NFL Mock Draft (Final Version) from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

1. Miami Dolphins-Chris Long (DE- Virginia) Long is their guy. Which Long is the real question, but I am going to go with Chris right now. He is a Parcells kind of guy, with a non-stop motor. But they could look at Jake Long for protecting the blind side.

2. St. Louis Rams-Jake Long (OT-Michigan) Long is the top offensive lineman in this draft, and with the Rams injury problems on the O-line and Orlando Pace nearing the end of his career, Long is a very smart pick here. The Rams will 100% walk away with a Long at the 2^nd pick.

3. Atlanta Falcons-Matt Ryan (QB- Boston College) The Atlanta Falcons are in complete disarray, they have no Qb, and more importantly as of now no head coach. Matt Ryan is a big, smart, pure pocket passer who can be the leader of this team for years.

4. Oakland Raiders-Glenn Dorsey (DT- LSU) The Raiders can go O-line or D-line, but with Jake Long off the board, Dorsey is the guy. Dorsey and Tommy Kelly are both active tackles who could have an instant impact for a defense that wasn’t very good. But don’t be surprised if they look to trade this pick away.

5. Kansas City Chiefs-Ryan Clady (OT- Boise.St) The Chiefs were once known for a powerful running game and dominant offensive-line. Not so much these days. While Long is the guy they want, they will need to turn to Clady. Clady will fill the huge void left when Willie Roaf retired. While this may be a little high, they need to draft a solid offensive lineman. Sedrick Ellis may also be a possibility here.

6. New York Jets- Darren McFadden (RB- Arkansas) The Jets had one rushing touchdown last year, and with their revamped offensive line it is time to get a playmaker like McFadden.

7. New England Patriots (from SF)- Vernon Gholston (DE-Ohio.St) Gholston had a monster workout, and would be a great addition to an aging linebacking corp. They just released Colvin so Gholston can step in right away. Cornerback is also a possibility considering they lost Asante Samuel and Randall Gay.

8. Baltimore Ravens- Leodis McKelvin (DB- Troy) This pick can go either way: McKelvin or Ellis. But their secondary was banged up last season and isn’t getting younger, so McKelvin would be a nice nickelback next season before taking over for Samari Rolle.

9. Cincinnati Bengals- Sedrick Ellis (DE- Clemson) After missing out on Shaun Rogers, Ellis will be their guy to help sure up the middle of their defense. He’s in the mold of Warren Sapp and should be a huge upgrade to a dismal defensive line.

10. New Orleans Saints-Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie (CB-Tenn St.) The Saints secondary was a disaster last season and Cromartie is shooting up the draft boards. He has a perfect combination of size and speed. While they did address the secondary with Randall Gay, Cromartie is too good to pass up.

11. Buffalo Bills-Limas Sweed (WR- Texas) Sweed is the ideal fit for the Bills. They already have homerun threats in Parrish and Evens, and Sweed would give them that tall, physical receiver they desperately lack.

12. Denver Broncos- Chris Williams (OT- Vanderbilt) Denver’s offensive line took a hit when Lepsis retired. Williams is that athletic, and agile lineman the Broncos love for their offensive system.

13. Carolina Panthers- Rashard Mendenhall (RB- Illinois) This is going to be one of the more interesting picks in the draft. They can go running back, defense end or offensive tackle. They did a nice job addressing their offensive line problems through free agency and Mendenhall would be a great fit to complement DeAngelo Williams.

14. Chicago Bears- Jeff Otah (OT- Pitt) The Bears will look to bolster a depleted offensive line. Otah is a mammoth of a man at 6’6 340lbs and has a huge upside at the next level. Running back may also be an option.

15. Detroit Lions- Philip Merling (DE- Clemson) The Lions must add bodies on the defensive line, and Merling is a Rod Marinelli type of player. He may not be the pure pass rusher like Harvey, but he is a physical specimen with a non-stop motor.

16. Arizona Cardinals- Aqib Talib (CB- Kansas)W hile the sun may be setting on Edge, the Cardinals would like to move Rolle to safety and Talib’s speed and cover skills makes him a good pick here at 16.

17. Minnesota Vikings- Derrick Harvey (DE- Florida) The Vikings boast one of the best defenses in the league. But they just can’t seem to generate any kind of pass rush. Eramus James and Kenechi Udeze are not the answer at the defensive end position. Harvey has all the intangibles to turn into a fine pass rusher.

18. Houston Texans- Keith Rivers (LB-USC) While some may think the secondary or running back here, Rivers would be a great fit in the Texans defense. He is quick, has good instincts and would be a nice young talent to play next to tackling machine Demeco Ryans.

19. Philadelphia Eagles- Malcolm Kelly (WR- Oklahoma) The Eagles are not going to land Fitzgerald and they must upgrade the wide receiver position. Kelly has great size at 6’4 and he will add that deep threat the Eagles lack.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- DeSean Jackson (WR- Cal) Joey Galloway is nearing the end of his fabulous career and it is time to look for playmakers to step in. While many worry about Jackson’s size, he possesses game-breaking speed. I believe that Jackson could prove to be one of the steals of the draft at this spot.

21. Washington Redskins- Calais Campbell (DE- Miami) Campbell is a physical specimen at 6’8 290lbs. He would be a great upgrade opposite of Andre Carter. Wide receiver is also a possibility.

22. Dallas Cowboys (from Browns)- Mario Manningham (WR-Michigan) The Cowboys will be using this draft to stock up at the skill positions. Wide receiver is a need position for them and Manningham is the best pure receiver on the board.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers- Brandon Albert (OG- Virginia) With Alan Fanaca gone, the Steelers will be coming into this draft looking to take the best offensive lineman available. Albert has great size, athleticism and experience and would be a nice pick to fill the left guard spot.

24. Tennessee Titans- Kentwan Balmer (WR- Indiana) Wide Receiver is certainly a need position but there isn’t a difference maker at pick 24. Balmer would be a nice compliment next to Haynesworth inside.

25. Seattle Seahawks- Fred Davis (TE- USC) While this may be a little high for a tight end, they sorely need one. Davis is the best tight end in this draft regardless of what the combine numbers may suggest.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars- Lawrence Jackson (DE- USC) The defensive line has taken a hit with Stroud and Mccray leaving town. Jackson has a nice combination of size and athleticism, and could be the pass rusher the Jags lack.

27. San Diego Chargers- Gosder Cherilus (OT- Boston College) The Chargers will look at offensive tackle and cornerback and will draft the highest rated player. Cherilus will get the nod here and in time take over the right tackle position.

28. Dallas Cowboys- Mike Jenkins (CB- South Florida) The Cowboys secondary was abused by the Giants in the playoffs and it is time to reload. Jenkins has great speed and cover skills and would be a great selection here at 28. Felix Jones is also a very good possibility.

29. San Fransico 49ers- James Hardy (WR- Indiana) With Mike Martz coming to town it would be safe to say they will be looking for an offensive weapon. Hardy has great size and could be that deep threat that the 49ers sorely lack.

30. Green Bay Packers- Kenny Phillips (S- Miami) The Packers will look to add depth to their secondary and Cason is the best guy on the board here. Cason isn’t the fastest guy out there but has good combination of size and instincts. Linebacker may be another option here.

31. New York Giants- Dan Connor (LB- Penn. St) Connor would be a great fit for this defense and would be the replacement for Kawika Mitchell. The Giants need to add depth and Connor is a very athletic and smart linebacker who smacks.

New England Patriots- Forfeited

For some more mocks, check out hailRedskins Mock Draft Database or FFToolbox – 2008 NFL Mock Drafts & Prospect Profiles.

Schackman’s 2008 NFL Mock Draft (Part 3) from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules