In Ft. Lauderdale, Dave Hyde offers the Dolphins his “Ten Commandments on what this franchise needs to follow.” Included on the list is “Thou Shalt Consider A Role For Dan Marino.” People did not need to see Broncos Exec VP/Football Operations John Elway celebrating his team’s win yesterday in the AFC Championship to “see his value to Denver.” Hyde: “He links Denver's yesterday to today. He bonds fans.” Marino “can't jump to the front of the class inside the Dolphins," but Owner Stephen Ross “should meet with him to explore a role” (South Florida SUN-SENTINEL, 1/20). Hyde also suggested the Dolphins bring former NFLer Jason Taylor "aboard.” Taylor and Marino “would show potential free agents around the campus, talk of their demand that this franchise succeeds again” (South Florida SUN-SENTINEL, 1/19).
HERE’S JOHNNY! In Jacksonville, Gene Frenette wrote if the Jaguars “decide to invest" the No. 3 pick in Johnny Manziel, then it “should be for one reason only: believing the Texas A&M quarterback can lead the franchise to sustained winning.” GM Dave Caldwell “can't be swayed" by Manziel's "box-office appeal.” Frenette: "There's no question that Johnny Football would create the biggest buzz and potentially sell more tickets. It's just a bad reason to pick Manziel or move him up a draft board.” Teams "should draft players because they think it'll help them win long-term." That is the "best ticket-seller there is” (JACKSONVILLE.com, 1/17). CBSSPORTS.com's Jason La Canfora cited sources as saying that the Browns are "willing to trade up to land" Manziel in the draft (CBSSPORTS.com, 1/19). In Akron, Nate Ulrich noted Browns CEO Joe Banner is “known to wheel and deal, and the team certainly has ammunition if it wants to maneuver,” as it has 10 draft picks, including seven in the first four rounds (AKRON BEACON JOURNAL, 1/20).
SOARING HIGH: In Philadelphia, Jeff McLane wrote under the header, “Eagles’ Roseman Has Been Effective Since Gaining Power From Banner.” The changes implemented by GM Howie Roseman had a “direct effect on this season's 10-6 mark and the promise the future holds.” It is “difficult to not envision” Roseman and Owner Jeffrey Lurie “relishing their turnaround while Banner struggled during his first full season in Cleveland” (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 1/19).
