NFL DRAFT BIBLE DAILY DOSE

MERLING UNERGOES SURGERY
University of Clemson DL Phillip Merling (groin) recently underwent surgery to repair a sports hernia and will not be working out at his school's Pro Day Friday, March 14. Merling hopes to be recovered in time to work out for NFL scouts before the 2008 NFL Draft.

PROSPECT GRANTED ELIGIBILITY
Oregon State WR Sammie Stroughter was granted a medical redshirt and will be back with the Beavers next fall. Stroughter had been expected to be a top prospect for the 2008 draft after catching 74 passes for 1,300 yards in 2006, but played in only three games last fall after suffering a season-ending kidney injury. That was after Stroughter missed time dealing with what were described as undisclosed personal issues.

WARD REMAINS WITH BIG BLUE
The Giants have decided to keep Derrick Ward in the fold for next season by signing him to a one-year, $1 million contract, according to the New York Daily News. He could earn another million in incentives.

FRED-EX LOOKING FOR WORK
Former Eagles and Chiefs receiver Freddie Mitchell is still hopeful of returning to the NFL.Impact: Mitchell was at his alma mater UCLA's Pro Day Thursday to chat with scouts. "Success is situational," he said. "The right coach can take an average receiver and put him in the Pro Bowl."

BENGALS SIGN UTECHT TO OFFER-SHEET
Following an earlier report, TE Ben Utecht has signed an offer sheet with the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals' offer would give Utecht a three-year agreement.

RAVENS ASSUME OGDEN NOT RETURNING
Jonathan Ogden said that the Ravens "know to proceed with their offseason plans as if I'm retiring," according to the Baltimore Sun. "I have not officially retired," Ogden told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "So if I come back, it's great, they said, but they're proceeding as if I'm not." Ogden has been dealing with a hyper

RAIDERS STRIKE AGAIN
Free agent defensive tackle Williams Joseph has signed a contract to join the Oakland Raiders, according to John Murphy of Yahoo! Sports. Terms of the agreement have yet to be disclosed.

KLECKO FLIES THE COUP
Dan Klecko, a former Colt and Patriot, has signed a one-year agreement with the Philadelphia Eagles, according to NFL.com.

BUCS ADD KEY COG
Safety Eugene Wilson has signed a one-year agreement to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to the St. Petersburg Times. Wilson will earn $1.8 million next season with $500,000 in guarantees.