Titans sign 2 draftees

Mr. Laz · 07-07-2005, 10:14 AM

Thursday, 07/07/05

Scaife, Loper agree to terms with Titans

Titans now have 3 of 11 picks signed

By JIM WYATT
Staff Writer

When the Titans drafted Bo Scaife, they saw a tight end who reminded them in some ways of one they already had on the roster — Ben Troupe.

With Troupe's availability for the start of the season in question because of a foot injury, Scaife is a player the Titans will count on to help fill the void. The rookie agreed to terms on a three-year contract with the Titans yesterday.

"He is more of a Troupe type,'' Titans General Manager Floyd Reese said. "He is not a real big guy. He is not going to line up on the line of scrimmage and knock a big defensive end back. But he catches the ball well and runs well.

"If you look at his college career and all those things, he fits the mold of all the people we've had at that position.''

The Titans and tackle Daniel Loper also agreed to terms on a three-year contract yesterday, leaving eight members of the draft class to go. Seventh-rounder Reynaldo Hill, a cornerback, agreed to terms Tuesday.

Scaife's base salaries will be $230,000 in 2005, $310,000 in '06 and $385,000 in '07. He'll receive a signing bonus of $83,500 and a chance to earn more money if he reaches incentives.

The 6-foot-3, 249-pounder was selected in the sixth round (179th overall). Despite knee injuries during his career at Texas he played in 44 games, made 75 receptions for an average of 13.3 yards and scored five touchdowns.

Scaife missed all of the Titans' offseason workouts because of hernia surgery. His agent, Kevin Robinson, said Scaife should be close to 100 percent when training camp begins July 29.

The Titans are optimistic that Troupe, who broke a bone in his left foot and had surgery in May, will be ready for the start of the season. An October return appears more realistic, however.

Veteran Erron Kinney is the No. 1 tight end and Reese said there's a chance the Titans will sign another player at the position leading up to camp.

Loper, a 6-6, 320-pound tackle from Texas Tech, was a fifth-round selection (150th overall) and the third tackle taken by the Titans, joining Michael Roos and David Stewart.

Loper's three-year deal includes base salaries of $230,000 in 2005, $310,000 in '06 and $385,000 in '07. His signing bonus is in the $130,000 range.

"He is someone who has a good work ethic, and is big and strong,'' Reese said. "He'll have a chance to be as good as he wants.''

The agent for running back Damien Nash said yesterday he sent a proposal to Reese and a deal could be reached for the fifth-rounder by the end of the week.

The Titans will need to release several players before they can officially sign the draft picks. •

Jim Wyatt covers the Titans for The Tennessean. He can be reached at jwyatt@tennessean.com or 259-8015.

07-07-2005, 10:14 AM	Topic Starter
Mr. Laz Don't Tease Me Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: KS Casino cash: $11047037	Titans sign 2 draftees Thursday, 07/07/05 Scaife, Loper agree to terms with Titans Titans now have 3 of 11 picks signed By JIM WYATT Staff Writer When the Titans drafted Bo Scaife, they saw a tight end who reminded them in some ways of one they already had on the roster — Ben Troupe. With Troupe's availability for the start of the season in question because of a foot injury, Scaife is a player the Titans will count on to help fill the void. The rookie agreed to terms on a three-year contract with the Titans yesterday. "He is more of a Troupe type,'' Titans General Manager Floyd Reese said. "He is not a real big guy. He is not going to line up on the line of scrimmage and knock a big defensive end back. But he catches the ball well and runs well. "If you look at his college career and all those things, he fits the mold of all the people we've had at that position.'' The Titans and tackle Daniel Loper also agreed to terms on a three-year contract yesterday, leaving eight members of the draft class to go. Seventh-rounder Reynaldo Hill, a cornerback, agreed to terms Tuesday. Scaife's base salaries will be $230,000 in 2005, $310,000 in '06 and $385,000 in '07. He'll receive a signing bonus of $83,500 and a chance to earn more money if he reaches incentives. The 6-foot-3, 249-pounder was selected in the sixth round (179th overall). Despite knee injuries during his career at Texas he played in 44 games, made 75 receptions for an average of 13.3 yards and scored five touchdowns. Scaife missed all of the Titans' offseason workouts because of hernia surgery. His agent, Kevin Robinson, said Scaife should be close to 100 percent when training camp begins July 29. The Titans are optimistic that Troupe, who broke a bone in his left foot and had surgery in May, will be ready for the start of the season. An October return appears more realistic, however. Veteran Erron Kinney is the No. 1 tight end and Reese said there's a chance the Titans will sign another player at the position leading up to camp. Loper, a 6-6, 320-pound tackle from Texas Tech, was a fifth-round selection (150th overall) and the third tackle taken by the Titans, joining Michael Roos and David Stewart. Loper's three-year deal includes base salaries of $230,000 in 2005, $310,000 in '06 and $385,000 in '07. His signing bonus is in the $130,000 range. "He is someone who has a good work ethic, and is big and strong,'' Reese said. "He'll have a chance to be as good as he wants.'' The agent for running back Damien Nash said yesterday he sent a proposal to Reese and a deal could be reached for the fifth-rounder by the end of the week. The Titans will need to release several players before they can officially sign the draft picks. • Jim Wyatt covers the Titans for The Tennessean. He can be reached at jwyatt@tennessean.com or 259-8015.
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