Friday, May 31, 2002

ProFootballWeekly.com asks personnel expert Joel Buchsbaum for his thoughts on the hottest topics in football. 

Tylski rejoins Patriots

A former practice squad player in New England, Rich Tylski played well in spot duty last season in Pittsburgh, his third NFL team. Now, he’s back in New England to provide depth at three positions and bring another discount veteran leader to the defending Super Bowl champions.

Buchsbaum: Tylski began his career on the Patriots’ practice squad as an undrafted free agent, then was claimed by Jacksonville and went on to Pittsburgh. He’s a journeyman guard in the truest sense of the phrase. He is smart, hard working, but not the guy you want starting for you. However, he gives New England quality depth and only counts the minimum wage against the salary cap. Another factor involved is the Patriots keep him away from the Jets, a team in need of a guard within their division.

Gurode a good fit for Dallas

Playing next to one of the best linemen in the NFL in Larry Allen won’t hurt, but the Cowboys couldn’t be more excited about second-round draft pick Andre Gurode. A guard at Colorado, Gurode has the athleticism and quickness to play center while maintaining a mean streak that will help Dallas up the middle.

Buchsbaum: The Cowboys are really excited about rookie OL Andre Gurode. He has already won the starting center job. Gurode gives Dallas a big, physical presence they have never had at center. He is a good fit next to the four jumbo players surrounding him. Now, Dallas puts an offensive line on the field that averages, conservatively, about 320 pounds per man.

Is Haynesworth showing his true colors?

Many projected University of Tennessee product Albert Haynesworth to be the top defensive tackle entering the 2002 draft. But teams backed off of the big man because of questions about his work ethic before the Titans grabbed him No. 15 overall. Haynesworth vowed to come out and play like a man possessed, but he has been up to his old tricks since making that statement.

Buchsbaum: The Titans are disappointed in Haynesworth. He has the ability the team thought he had, but he came to minicamp overweight, out of shape and lacked stamina. If Haynesworth wants to play the immature, don’t-pay-the-price rap, he won’t last long in the league. He has to get into much better physical shape.

Mayes in Dolphins’ doghouse

Once thought to have the ability to be a Pro Bowl player, Dolphins TE Alonzo Mayes has never really gotten on track in the NFL in stints with Chicago and Miami. Currently, the Dolphins are balking on their expectations that Mayes would start and play a key role in Norv Turner’s offense because Mayes isn’t focused and hasn’t worked in the offseason.

Buchsbaum: The Dolphins are disappointed in Mayes, who showed up to the first minicamp weighing 317 pounds. He has lost some weight, but Miami wants him under 270 pounds. Mayes has starting ability, which none of the team’s other tight ends have. Mayes has always been an underachiever unwilling to pay the price and he missed all of last year with an injury.

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2001 - 2002 Season