Says Cowboys owner Jerry Jones of the shortened time between picks in this year’s draft, “It’ll cut down on some of the BS when you’re talking, and you can get to the bottom line quicker.”

Cowboys restricted free agent C Joe Berger signed his one-year, $927,000 tender with the team Thursday.

The Bengals signed QB Ryan Fitzpatrick to the same restricted free agent tender.

Ditto for the Broncos with SS Hamza Abdullah.

As college offenses evolve, they develop fewer tight end prospects.

Auburn DT Patrick Sims spent the last two days visiting with the Dolphins.

A conflict with the TV schedule forced the Giants to move their first preseason game.

The Colts had a similar change, related to the TV schedule for the Summer Olympics, which takes place during the NFL preseason.

Says Patriots DT Vince Wilfork, “Eighteen-and-O really doesn’t mean anything to me; Eighteen-and-O doesn’t put a ring on my finger.”

The daughter of Jets QB Kellen Clemens got kissed by the pope.

Says Ravens WR Derrick Mason of the first day without QB Steve McNair, “It was business as usual.  You have to go out there and put that behind you, especially going through a new offense.”

Although Bears offensive coordinator Ron Turner recruited RB Rashard Mendenhall to Illinois, the Bears will probably pass on Mendenhall if he’s still on the board when their pick comes up.

Says NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock, “I get stopped everywhere I go, with people asking about a 40-yard dash time or what happened at the combine or who are the Eagles going to take.  The interest is amazing.”

Lions TE Dan Campbell has a cadaver tendon holding his elbow together.

Says Browns coach Romeo Crennel of second-year CB Eric Wright, “He got better as the year went on.“

The Steelers had their last two visits with draft prospects Thursday.

Michigan OT Jake Long was called for two penalties (one false start, one hold) in 43 career games.

Texans GM Rick Smith likes the speed of University of Houston receiver Donnie Avery.

Asked why he missed a voluntary minicamp, Falcons DB Jimmy Williams said, “I talked to the coach and he understood my situation. … That’s the only person I have to focus on.”

The Jaguars are hoping for a blackout-free 2008.

Says RB Deuce McAllister of restructuring his contract to stay with the Saints, “I don’t think there was ever any doubt.”

OT Ryan Clady will be the first first-round pick in Boise State history.

Chargers DT Jamal Williams has had arthroscopic surgery on both knees this month.

Seahawks FB Leonard Weaver signed a one-year deal, and his agent said he expects to spend the rest of his career in Seattle.