Worlds colliding here at G:TB HQ today, as Teejay's New York Jetropolitans signed the epitome of small-package anti-Randy dynamite to a free agent deal. Boys and girls, welcome G:TB's new favorite NFLer, Danny Woodhead.Jets sign NCAA career rushing leader Danny Woodhead
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Chadron State running back Danny Woodhead, the NCAA's career rushing leader, signed a free-agent deal with the New York Jets on Sunday night, according to the player and his agent.
Agent Chris Gittings said he and Woodhead thought the Jets were a good fit after teams passed on the 5-foot-7 1/2 running back during the draft, mostly because of his size. Woodhead ran for 7,962 yards in four seasons for the Division II school in western Nebraska.
Terms of the deal for the two-time Harlon Hill Trophy winner were not immediately disclosed, and the Jets would not confirm the signing.
"I'm more than happy with what I got," Woodhead said.
Woodhead, who worked out in the weeks leading up to the draft in his hometown of North Platte, wasn't invited to February's scouting combine and wasn't among the 27 running backs drafted. But he was impressive during his pro day in Lincoln, running a 40-yard dash that was timed between 4.33 and 4.38 seconds, recording a vertical jump of 38 1/2 inches and bench-pressing 225 pounds 20 times.
Woodhead will be competing for a roster spot at a position that already includes Thomas Jones, Leon Washington and Jesse Chatman.
The Jets have played a number of undrafted free agents in recent years, including guard Brandon Moore, punter Ben Graham, wide receiver Wallace Wright, fullback Stacy Tutt, tight end Joe Kowalewski and defensive lineman Mike DeVito.
"We're the land of opportunity," general manager Mike Tannenbaum said in his draft wrapup news conference Sunday night.
Gittings said it was frustrating that other small running backs were considered better draft prospects than Woodhead. Rutgers' Ray Rice is 5-8 and was taken by Baltimore in the second round, while Georgia's 5-9 Thomas Brown was drafted by Atlanta in the sixth. Also drafted were Michigan's Mike Hart (listed just under 5-9) and California's Justin Forsett (5-8).
Asked whether he thought size matters in the NFL, Woodhead said: "I don't, but you're also talking to a 5-7 1/2, 200-pound running back."
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ReplyDeletemike tannenbaum, the thomas jefferson of the nfl.
ReplyDeleteSo what's Woodhead, like 5 inches taller than Rob?
ReplyDeleteI saw Tannenbaum as more of a Santa Claus type character.
ReplyDeletefrom espn.com, the following headline regarding the naming of the nba coach of the year. wait for it:
ReplyDeletegreat scott
my 6 year-old could do that. sidney crosby could do that. have some pride, man.
Okay, what headline would you have had? Maybe "Isn't it Byronic?"
ReplyDeleteSorry, I couldn't think of anything good.
don't sell yourself short. you're a tremendous slouch.
ReplyDeleteI like Greg's way better.
ReplyDeleteAssuming "Lord Byron" already been done to death, a timely one might be "Byron Man."
Or maybe "Me So Hornet."
todd mcshay did a mock nfl draft today. for 2009. that includes the projected order of the teams. holy fuck on toast is this thing out of control.
ReplyDeleteDid Kiper also do one?
ReplyDeleteno, but he did do a mock 2009 combine.
ReplyDeleteKiper & McShay did a final draft roundup earlier today and then concluded by shakign hands. I imagine the producer told Mel he had to shake McShay's hand, much to his dismay.
ReplyDeleteMy mock 2009 WNBA draft will be out later in the week.
ReplyDeleteLiar...you never even delivered the 2008 mock draft.
ReplyDeleteYeah, but 2007's was fucking awesome.
ReplyDeleteBest of Alec Baldwin on NBC right now...Canteen Boy is killing me.
ReplyDeleteOK enough already - Mel and McShay just spent 10 more minutes bickering like schoolgirls on NFL Live.
ReplyDeleteWhy didn't I turn? No clue.
I don't watch a ton of Costas Now, but tonights episode really brought it. And Buzz Bissinger came off like a pompous, egomanical jerk.
ReplyDeleteI just read Will's post about the segment, and god bless him, he took the high ground even then. But I would've punched that dinosaur in the face Morton Downey Jr.-style. I don't care if the guy did write Friday Night Lights.
ReplyDelete